Head to Heart Talks: Walking a Sacred Path

By Vicky Kelm Williams

Walking a Sacred Path introduces the power of the seven sacred directions. And offers a way to “weave a web” that connects the creative spirit within our Heart and the human practical mind of our Head to become fully awakened.

The Spirit within me grows in wisdom when I use my past as a resource, rather than as a whipping stick.

When we are grateful, we free our hearts to create new dreams and visions for our lives, and for the world!

These are the old woman’s words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vicky Kelm Williams
• Release date: Mar 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005317454

Vicky Kelm Williams

Vicky Kelm Williams is the author of “Head to Heart Talks – Becoming your Authentic Self.” The author is a retired educator who spent nearly 30 years listening to the hearts of students, parents, and caregivers as her own life unfolded. She also apprenticed with a Cherokee Shaman for 13 years, and from that experience learned the Truths taught by those that walked before us – our ancestors! Through these amazing teachings and those found in nature everyday she offers simple yet profound Truths buried beneath societal programming. From the many stories brought to her by seekers willing to do their work, she offers a cornucopia of wisdom from which to glean truths that can be used to live an authentic life.This book is a series of stories about an old woman who lives in the Forest. She has developed a reputation for being very straightforward and unpretentious. People who find their way to her cabin know they are to ask only one question, and from that the old woman will tell them a story. If a person talks too much or asks too many questions, the old woman has been known to get up and go back to whatever task she had been tending.From her heart to yours, she offers the reader an opportunity for some “Head to Heart Talks!”

Book preview

Dedication

This book is dedicated with a grateful heart to the Seekers of Truth who believe in the power of possibilities; and the dreamers, visionaries and artists that bring it into Reality. To the Magic and Mysteries of Life, and to those who are willing to never give up until the call of their Heart is answered and the questions of their Head are satisfied.

To my beautiful family, who has taught me what unconditional love looks and feels like. As diverse as we are, it is Love that keeps us together, and Respect that helps us accept our differences. They are my greatest teachers and supporters of my Heart.

With abundant Love and Respect I wish to acknowledge the following gifted editors and artists who took the words of my Heart and put them into form:

•Barbara Dulmage, editing genius: [e-mail],

•Jill Freeman, artist, creator of all artwork:

[e-mail],

•Victoria Williams Steen, artist, prettied up the Mandalas:

www.artthouinspired.com,

•Robin Surface, artist and Mastermind, Fideli Publishing,

www.FideliPublishing.com,

•And, the many beautiful souls that courageously shared their heart’s stories and made this book possible.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Old Friends

Stand in the Gap

Fire Starter / Fire Keeper

Let’s Do This!

The Giveaway

Untold Stories

Ruth’s Heart

The Time is Now

Fences

Turned the Page

Follow the Snake

Ties that Bind

The Compass

The Boomerang

The Gathering

The Mandala

The Awakening

Weaver of Webs / Grandmother Spider

Life Cycle Teachings

Problem Solving & Decision Making

gather the tools needed to enjoy an exciting, adventurous journey through life, and to find our way to that peaceful place of balance.

Book one consists of individual, stand-alone stories from which to randomly choose. In this second book you will note various words in italics with an asterisk in front of them. These are references to stories from the first book, Head to Heart Talks: Rediscovering Your Authentic Self.

Book two follows the journey of two characters from the first book, Jim and Ruth, for whom the old woman becomes a Teacher of the ways necessary for Walking a Sacred Path. Stories within the chapters support her teachings, and you will no doubt find yourself rereading some chapters in order to fully comprehend and embody the teachings. These tools she offers, if used, will enrich your Sacred Walk.

This book demonstrates how the Sacred Web of Life connects all of us when we pay attention, trusting and allowing our hearts to guide our path. Remember that whatever you do for yourself, you also do for others!

We invite you to discover that everything you need is already within you! Equipped with the tools offered in this book, you will discover that Walking a Sacred Path is forever an adventure! And, that the value of community is immeasurable!

Reflection Pages

His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama ended a public talk suggesting that perhaps he may have said something they might like to think some more about, but if not, that was okay, too." That seemed an excellent idea, so here is an option for you!

Hitting the pause button serves as a powerful way to quiet a thinking, practical mind while offering our emotional, creative heart the opportunity to really feel. A few reflection pages are included here to offer you, the reader, the opportunity to consider what you might want to think some more about. These pages will open the door to a deeper relationship between the what if’s and yeah, buts of your ever-chattering mind, and the voice of your beautiful heart. That is important, because the relationship between your Head and your Heart is the most relationship you will ever have!

As you continue on this journey with the old woman in the woods, remember this suggestion from Book One, Head to Heart Talk: Rediscovering your Authentic Self:

Put your mind in your pocket, place your hands on your heart, and take a few deep breaths. Tell your mind that its job is to simply remember what it hears and your heart ‘listens’ to the teachings in each (chapter).

A journal is an invaluable tool to help you connect your thoughts with your feelings. Do not think about what you want to write, or worry that is grammatically correct or makes sense. Whether you choose a Super Hero spiral notebook, or something else that catches your eye, let your writing be free and uncensored, and see what unfolds!

Here we go! Time for some Head to Heart Talks!

Old Friends

Many moons had passed since the old woman had received any visitors to her cabin. Seven winters, seven planting seasons, and seven growing seasons, before the old woman realized the seventh harvesting season was about to begin. She knew it was time to once again open her heart and her home to those who sought her stories.

The much-needed rains forced the leaves from their homes on the Standing Ones before the change of color was even in full swing. The old woman stood and observed the colorful display that covered her front yard, and admitted to herself that she had probably kept herself too busy to have time for visitors. It was as though the universe knew she had some personal work to delve into within her own heart before she would be a clean vessel through which the stories others needed to hear could be told.

I wonder, thought the old woman as she looked beyond her front porch, how the rest of the world is doing?

She had, of course, made her way to town for necessities; however, the trips generally consisted of shopping from a specific list to pick up what was needed, and then she promptly returned to her cabin. Rarely was there a time during those trips when the old woman engaged in what she referred to as idle conversation. Once in a while she made her way to a favorite park bench that overlooked the small community in which she lived, and she occasionally sat in her favorite pew at the church she had attended while she was raising her family. Both of those choices occurred randomly, whenever the old woman felt a pull in her heart to do so. They were certainly not preplanned occurrences.

The morning clouds that had filled the sky during an ever-so-gentle rain began to part, giving way to the afternoon’s blue skies. She pulled the tie of her sweater snuggly around her waist.

It’s nearly time to bring some firewood into the house so the cabin is nice and cozy for our first visitor.

As if on cue, a young man appeared through the clearing to her yard, and a smile quickly spread across his face. The old woman returned his smile with an enthusiastic wave.

Jim picked up his stride, and within a few steps was close enough to extend his arms and receive a big hug from the old woman of which he had become quite fond. She received his open arms with affection for this man who had become a most trusted and helpful friend. Jim was eager not only to assist with routine chores, but to also make certain the old woman had plenty of wood for the winter season. His impromptu visits seemed to come at precisely the time she most needed them, for both the chores and for her heart.

How have you been, my friend? asked Jim. Are you ready for me to bring some wood into your cabin, and stack some on the porch for you? He scanned the yard, checking out the branches and twigs that had fallen from the strong winds of the late summer storms.

Why, it appears the storms have gifted you with enough wood so that I won’t even need to split much of the bigger pieces for kindling.

He stretched his body. Hey, my body likes that! He flexed the muscles of his right arm. These muscles are in shape and ready to be used!

You’re looking fit to me; I’d say Sarah’s taking pretty good care of you, responded the old woman with a smile.

Jim laughed and patted his belly.

That she is; however, I’ve also become quite the chef at home these days. You should see how well Sarah and the kids look! I reckon you could say I have developed some cookin’ skills.

Enough idle talk.

The words echoed in both the old woman’s and Jim’s heads. Jim knew he was lucky to have more than a few sentences from his elder friend; he wasn’t going to push her past her comfort zone, and it was obvious she had nothing more to say at the moment.

The clouds began to part as Jim busied himself with the task of cleaning up the yard and stacking wood, while the old woman busied herself in the kitchen. She knew Jim loved her biscuits and was most partial to her strawberry preserves. She liked to help Jim remember his affection for his grandmother since he had mentioned it the very first time he came to meet her.

It’s always good to remember one’s grandparents; it helps to understand one’s family history in order to better understand one’s own self. It helps to gain clarity around the thinking patterns of past generations that perhaps need to change, in order for future generations to grow and flourish. Fact is, it’s part of the evolution of life.

Her thoughts brought a tiny smile to her face. Her smile wrinkles deepened, revealing the rich love and enjoyment for life she had experienced throughout her life, and the tremendous gratitude she felt to have been privileged to share in both the joyous and sorrowful moments of life with so many in her community.

She kneaded the biscuit dough and reflected on how life is much like making good biscuits: gently moving things about with tenderness and strength while allowing the ingredients to work their magic. Indeed, life needs to be handled with balance, doing things that serve the family with gentleness and love, and on occasion kneading to stretch beyond one’s comfort zone in order to rise to a new level of knowing and being.

Perhaps it is similar to using an old family biscuit recipe that is tried and true, creatively integrating some new ingredients, such as cheese with a bit of garlic, or adding some raisins, cinnamon and pecans, then drizzling a thin white icing over them, all for warming the hearts and bodies of our families. To make biscuits like Jim enjoys them, and to have ample strawberry preserves and butter available for him to smear on as he wishes, she does especially for him. Then he is nourished in Body, Mind, and Spirit.

The old woman knew that every human being wants to really be seen; not just recognized by appearance, but rather, really noticed, so that they are remembered by their likes and dislikes, what warms their hearts, and what pushes them away. They want someone to see their strengths, in addition to the areas that are ready to be refined and developed. And, they want that honest Truth so they can become successful human beings within their families as well as within their communities.

People need to pay more attention to each other; to notice facial expressions, and how they react to certain topics, foods, and situations in general, in order to really get to know a person at the deepest level.

The old woman pulled an old jelly glass from her cupboard. She then dipped it in a small amount of flour beside the rolled-out dough and began to cut the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet.

I have faith in the human heart; I just know we’re going to start really seeing each other very soon, before the world turns even more cold and removed from human actions and reactions.

She slipped the baking sheet into a 450-degree oven and set the timer for twelve minutes. She peered out her kitchen window to see how Jim was doing when she heard the door to her cabin open.

I do believe you are ready for the colder temps, said Jim as he entered with a large armful of wood. If you’ll get the door I’ll bring in enough to fill your wood holder and kindling basket.

The old woman nodded, wiped off her hands and moved toward the front door where she held it open for Jim. After about three loads of split wood had been brought in, the timer on the oven buzzed.

You can take care of those biscuits, said Jim. I could smell them from outside!

His belly began to growl. Goodness, seems my belly is letting me know it’s time to be fed! That’s my last big load, and I’ll bring the kindling in and put it into your big bucket.

When Jim had finished his task, he placed a couple of handfuls of dry leaves underneath the iron fire base, added several good handfuls of the kindling from the bucket and placed several small twigs on the top of the base. He reached into his pocket for some matches and carefully lit the leaves, lightly blowing on them to encourage the fire to ignite the twigs that had been placed on top. It was a sight to see this man work with the fire as he softly spoke words of encouragement and gratitude for the warmth it was about to bring.

The old woman watched Jim, impressed with his relationship with the fire. There’s an art to bringing forth the best in all things, and a fire is no exception.

This said much about Jim. She knew he was a man of solid personal ethics; it was evident in everything he said and did, and she knew that was a result of how he thought about life.

As Jim continued, the old woman noticed the way in which he seemed to dance with the fire. There seemed to be a rhythm of movement between Jim and the fire.

Jim is obviously very in tune with his heart’s rhythm.

She noted every detail of his face. His lips formed a circle as he gently blew on the embers, to bring forth the flame needed to create a bond between the three elements he had placed at the base of the fireplace. His bodily position was strategically in alignment with the leaves, kindling and small twigs, and he was bent on one knee in an almost prayer-like position. He seemed to coax the flames ever so gently to embrace the small kindling, so the larger twigs on top could ignite.

The old woman observed the energy that ran between Jim and the fire.

It takes patience, gentleness, and knowledge of one’s heart to bring life into balance, and Jim knows this. Why, you can almost hear his heart speaking to that fire, and the fire seems to be observing him as well.

She shook her head ever so slightly as her heart felt great joy to observe such a precious and sweet relationship.

His actions indicated he and Sarah have moved through their differences and learned what love is all about.

The old woman felt tears burn her eyes. She quickly blinked them away, took a small breath, let out a quiet sigh, and brought herself back to the fire. It was time to step away from such an intimate moment.

As the fire began to burn an orange and yellow, a purple edge appeared that seemed to frame the entire flame. Jim knew it was ready for some larger pieces, so he placed a couple of medium sized logs on top, then stood up and dusted off his hands.

That oughta take the chill off for this evening. This will probably be all you need for tonight, and it’s supposed to be warm tomorrow.

He turned to sit in his usual designated chair, and as the two friends sat in front of the roaring fire, nothing much was spoken. Jim busily fed his face with hot biscuits and strawberry preserves while the old woman sipped a second cup of coffee. Warmth filled the room almost as much as the biscuits and coffee filled their bellies, and only the crackling fire broke the silence.

The old woman suddenly realized in a single beautiful moment, that she had been in great need of company. While she loved the serenity of the woods and the peacefulness that comes with being at home, she was beginning to realize she’d spent more years alone than she had living with a family. That felt a bit sad to her; she hadn’t considered that it would one day bring a feeling of loneliness.

She then did what she did best, and got busy. She pulled out the black velvet bag that held her tatting. Regardless of any situation, the old woman knew that staying busy always cured whatever ailed her. As she tatted away, Jim began to speak.

You know, I’ve been thinking about when I first met you. My life was pretty stirred up, and I wasn’t certain how I would maneuver my way through it. Heck, now that feels like a lifetime ago and what’s it been … seven years or so?

He glanced over at the old woman, who was lost in her handiwork. He didn’t want to interrupt her thoughts, so he simply poured himself another cup of coffee and sat in silence with her. He had been around her enough that he knew whatever she was thinking about would best be moved through the silence of her heart.

Within a few moments the old woman began her story.

"Once upon a time, not so long ago, there lived a couple that had a deep love for one another, for their community, and for the three children they were privileged to raise. They lived in an urban city filled with cars, shopping centers, tall buildings that housed many businesses, and what seemed like a church on every major street corner. While it was not a major big city, it seemed to never sleep. That is to say, it was constantly abuzz with traffic and sirens. People came and went at all times of the day and night, kept busy with places to go, things to do, people to see, and always some event that would enrich one’s life; that is, according to whomever needed the various sorts of activities.

"While the time was filled with busyness, it seemed there was rarely time to just spend time with the family together. And when the family was together, it seemed all they did was talk about other members of the family, or about their friends and their family businesses.

"One day the Mother and Father decided to try an experiment. They wanted to see how the family would react if the car was not accessible for 24-hours, so they parked the car at a safe location, locked it up, and took a taxi home. They both had to chuckle at how they felt their kids would react when they found out there was no way to go anywhere for 24-hours. They were prepared for the fussing and fuming they were sure would ensue once they told their children, and the utter despair that would fill the next 24-hours.

"Well, would you believe it, when they got home and told their kids they would all be homebound for the next 24-hours, much to their surprise the kids seemed almost relieved that they had nowhere to go. Practically in unison the three kids exclaimed, ‘That’s okay!’ The three of them looked at each other and started to laugh.

" ‘How about getting out the board games?’ the oldest finally suggested. ‘I know it’s no fun to play when you know you’ll get your socks knocked off, but maybe I’m rusty and one of you will win,’ he smirked.

"The second oldest headed toward the hallway closet with the third child close behind. ‘Oh, you wish,’ he said. ‘We’ll see about that!’

"The parents looked at each other in amazement, shrugged their shoulders, and then commenced cleaning off the kitchen table to make room for the games to begin!

"What those parents learned that day was that sometimes our children cherish being at home together, playing games, eating meals, watching a movie, and just enjoy being with each other.

While our friends are indeed important to us when we are young, there really is nothing like being with one’s family. Truth be told, friends come and go; it is the family unit we will forever be connected with, and age has nothing to do with it. Parents need to remember this even when the older kid is moaning about being too old to hang out with his or her parents or younger siblings. Inside each of us is a smaller version of ourselves, yearning to reconnect to simpler times, when all that mattered was knowing that we are of value and importance to our family.

The old woman bit the thread from the shuttle, knotted the end, and handed the chain to Jim.

Thank you for your help today, and for showing up to let me know you had been thinking of me.

She picked up the tray with the cups, the remains of biscuits and strawberry preserves, and headed to the kitchen. Just before entering the kitchen she turned to Jim.

These are my words.

Jim savored the sweet moment that was filled with memories of his visits to the old woman’s cabin. He was grateful for her presence, and for her willingness to share her insights with anyone who took the time to find his or her way to her cabin.

He glanced around the room that looked precisely like it did the first time he had made his trek there. Two chairs sat in front of the fireplace with a beautiful, small walnut table between them. The fireplace mantle had the same items in the precise order they had always been. Starting from the far left, there was an unusually large piece of clear quartz crystal that supported one side of a few small books. An antique black iron secured the other end. About four inches further down the mantel was a pair of jeweled picture frames that held the pictures of people the old woman no doubt held dear. A feather with tan leather securely wrapped around the stem, a colorful rattle, and a most unusual piece of wood were next. At the very end of the mantel was a green glass kerosene lamp.

The clamoring of dishes brought Jim back to the moment.

Guess I’d better get moving or she’ll be wondering why I’m still sitting here, although I’d like to know the answer to that myself.

With that thought, Jim inhaled and exhaled a deep breath, moved in his chair, and stretched his legs to prepare to stand up.

Why am I still here?

As he stood, he cleared his throat loudly enough that he thought the old woman would hear him, and almost immediately she walked through the doorway wiping her hands with a kitchen towel.

She looked up at Jim. You must be very comfortable since you’re still here.

He looked down at her beautiful face, wrinkled with lines that indicated the wisdom she had gained over the years.

I have a question I’d like to ask you if you have time. He patted her shoulder ever so gently. If another time would be best for us to continue this conversation, just let me know and I’ll come back later.

He removed his hand from her shoulder and stood squarely in front of her.

The old woman finished drying her hands and placed the dishtowel on a dining chair.

Now is always a good time.

Jim felt a sense of awkwardness as he glanced toward the fire.

Why do I feel awkward? I’ve known this woman for some time now, and she’s as close to my heart as my grandmother. And, what do I want to ask her?

The old woman sensed his hesitation; she felt for her friend, who didn’t quite seem comfortable with what he wanted to say.

You seem uneasy.

Jim cleared his throat. Well, I know you are a woman of few words and seem to be a very private person, so I do not want to cause you any discomfort.

If there’s something you want to tell me, just spit it out. It’s the idle chatter that’s a waste of time. I’m listening.

Jim felt a small smile cross his lips at his friend’s words. In all the time he’d known her she had just said more words than she’d probably said altogether over the years.

"Okay, I gotcha. Well, you have so much wisdom, I was wondering if you would be willing to tell your story."

There it was. Jim had just opened his mouth, and out came the words. He felt a sigh of relief as he closely watched for his friend’s reaction to his question.

The air in the cabin was filled with a silence that seemed to fill the room with a cozy feeling. It was like being bear-hugged by someone who really loved you.

Strange, Jim thought, as he visualized a bear coming close enough to him to give him a big embrace.

He brought himself back to the moment and glanced down at her. She was smoothing out the apron she still wore. The small blue print appeared very old, like it had been made from the old flour sacks from years ago. It was stained from all the cooking and canning she had done over the years, and the white lace trim around the front pocket had begun to unravel. No doubt this apron had witnessed many a meal preparation for people the old woman loved.

She breathed deeply.

Reckon I knew this time would come. She fidgeted with the bow in front that wrapped the apron tightly around her petite body, and silence once again ensued.

Jim knew to just wait for her response. She was not one to be pushed or hurried into anything. While it was obvious she had been a very spirited young woman, the years had mellowed her into the quiet, contemplative place maturity often brings.

After what felt like ten minutes, the old woman inhaled deeply and nodded.

Reckon I could do that.

Jim was shocked. He just stared at her as she smoothed her hair and stared directly into his eyes.

She said she would do it! Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe she agreed to do that!

Something very magical happened in that moment; it was as though time stood still and a door had just opened. Both Jim and the old woman knew. They stood at the threshold of something that was ready to be birthed, and they were brought together for this very moment.

The air moved with a gentle flow of warmth that was also a mystery. Jim stared at the fire, which was now only a few burning embers. He knew the windows and doors were closed; yet, something stirred the air. The hair on the back of Jim’s neck felt the flow and the old woman merely nodded ever so slightly. A smile began to deepen the creases in her face, and became wider as she nodded more vigorously.

Okay, Jim said. So when would you like to do this?

How about I get some guidance from my heart, she responded. These sorts of things just unfold, so there is no sense in rushing things with planning.

Jim nodded in agreement.

She picked up the dishtowel and turned toward Jim.

Reckon we’ve said all we need to say for now.

Jim smiled. Reckon you got that right.

He was still shocked that this woman of few words had agreed to tell her story. Like a child with a secret, he moved toward the door. The moment felt surreal.

I knew she liked me but I had no idea she would share her life with me.

They walked to the door together in silence. Jim reached for his hat that hung on the deer antler nailed to the wall, and pulled it snuggly onto his head. He reached for the doorknob as he turned to the old woman.

Thank you so much; I hardly have words. Just send me a note when you are ready for me to come back. It’s all up to you. I’m just grateful you’re willing to do this. We’ll see what happens.

He opened the door and turned to the old woman one more time. She stood directly behind him, which was another first. Generally, the old woman was already in her kitchen when he left. Now, here she was, standing right behind him.

He couldn’t help himself. Is there anything you want to say, or anything you need?

She simply responded with an affectionate smile and shook her head.

As Jim closed the door behind him, he gazed across the orange sky in the West where the sun had begun to descend. It was a brilliant hue of orange and purple, as though the sky were on fire.

This has been an unbelievable afternoon; the sky must be on fire. Maybe like the sky, the fire is burning to herald in the newness that change brings forth.

As these thoughts rambled through his head, he quickly headed back to his truck in order to get there before the sun completely set and the path disappeared into darkness.

Jim got into his truck and started the engine. He could feel the numbness from the shock of the entire evening begin to subside as he relaxed his body in the comfort of his old truck.

Once again, her story hit home. We’ve been wondering how to keep our family close.

And, she’s going to tell her story.

Then he glanced in his rearview mirror at the woods from which he had just emerged.

Good grief. I didn’t see this coming at all. His focus turned from the woods. He looked directly into his own eyes and took a couple of deep breaths.

Where did that idea come from? Who in the world asked her that question? Hmmm … maybe it wasn’t someone of this world!

Meanwhile, the old woman tidied up her kitchen, and put away the silver tray, coffee cups and dishes from the evening treat with Jim.

Much like the rest of the cabin, the kitchen was small and compact. The cabinets looked white-washed, when in reality they were probably worn from years of use. There was a small turquoise refrigerator that looked like it was from the 1950s, with only two magnets on the door. One had a picture of a little boy that stared out toward the horizon, a white scarf flowing around his neck. Beneath him was written The Little Prince. The second magnet had a mirrored front that said, You are loved.

On the side of the refrigerator was a picture of two people holding hands. One cannot tell who they are because only their backs are visible. A man stands facing them, and one might assume the couple is getting married. The picture was yellowed on the edges, which seemed to indicate that it was a very old picture.

The old woman finished up her tasks at the sink, hung the dishtowel over the handle of the oven, and turned off the light. The only visible light now emanated from a small, stained-glass turtle lamp. It was a cozy kitchen that held the warmth of love and tenderness with which the old woman fed those who found their way to her home.

She exited the kitchen and moved into a very large, open area, past an oak dining room table and chairs, and paused in front of the fireplace where she and Jim had been sitting. She stood for a few minutes and observed the slowly burning embers, then sat down to watch them for a bit.

Life is so very interesting. I’ve done my best to keep my life to myself, and then tonight happens.

She shook her head and stared at the brilliant orange, sparkling embers.

Why have I kept to myself? Reckon it doesn’t matter. If it’s time to reengage in life, things will simply fall into place.

She began to look at each item on her mantel as though reflecting on her life. The old woman felt a tear trickle down her cheek, and the silence of the moment was broken only by the sound of her heartbeat.

She was nervous, though she had no idea why. Yet, she was clear that these feelings were real, intense, and beckoned her to cross the threshold before her. She looked at the glowing embers more intensely, as if to ask for guidance.

Just then, a small flame danced from amidst the center of the embers, as if on cue.

I’m listening, she offered in response. What is it you wish to say?

Without a moment’s hesitation she knew.

I know, it’s time for me to re-emerge and give back to the world what it has so sweetly given to me.

While her heart knew, her head began to consider.

You know what will happen if you engage in the world. Those who knew you when you were young will think you have lost your mind. You will only confirm what they told you would happen if you continued along the path you were taking.

Are you ready to embarrass your family and be completely honest about what you know to be true? Think about that: are you really willing to return to that world of reality that clings to fear, self-doubt, and an endless stream of questions for which you are expected to provide explanation?

Her stare was broken when the flame disappeared. She glanced up at the mantle once again, took a deep breath, and then released it with a heavy sigh.

Yes, I am!

She stood up, and with both feet firmly planted on the braided rug beneath her, she spoke.

With both of these feet and the help from all that have supported and sustained me throughout my life, I am ready.

A sense of joy moved through her heart as she felt herself stand taller than her 5’1" height. From the bottoms of her feet she could feel energy moving upward through her calves, thighs and buttocks, straight up her spine and all the way up her neck to the base of her head. When it reached the top of her head she felt a crown appear. The band tightened around her forehead, and the Sacred One with whom she had been connected since she was a small child appeared directly in front of her, and placed a mark on her forehead. It was the opening of her third eye, and she knew precisely what that indicated. Her heart was activated, and a surge of warmth moved through her veins, permeating every cell of her body.

She continued to stand very straight. She seemed to stand outside her body, and watched as an observer. It was as though she witnessed a momentous initiation that would prepare her to cross the waiting threshold.

Soft colors began to swirl about her as billows of white begin to gently spiral in a cylindrical shape in front of her eyes, and she knew.

It is time to do the work in front of me and, with your support, let us enter into that magical energy of love that always brings more love, peace, and joy into the world.

She had no idea what was going to come of all of it. It wasn’t hers to know. All that was required of her was to show up and pay attention. She closed her eyes, took three deep breaths, and relaxed into the moment. Her lips parted as a sigh released, and her lips became a small circle through which the breath exited her mouth with direction and purpose. Another breath was taken in through her nose, pulled up from her belly and into her diaphragm, and once again, released through her parted lips. She stood relaxed and receptive to a third breath, and when it was released she knew yet again.

It is done!

She had crossed the threshold, and now stood firmly in a place she knew very well. The landscape was familiar; the scent of the air filled her lungs with loving memories of her true home. Cedar and sage scented the air that surrounded her like a lover’s embrace. She was being cleansed and purified of any fears, apprehensions, or self-doubt.

This was something greater than her human understanding could explain or comprehend. Her heart knew, though, and she was joyful to once again be home with her Old Friends.

Stand in the Gap

The roar of the giant silver grain bins filled the air with the reverberating sound of drying grain. The deep hum blanketed the empty fields for miles.

The old woman watched the long line of semis that pulled the grain trailers that awaited the fresh dried bounty of corn and soybeans.

This year’s harvest has been very successful, she observed.

From early dawn until long after dusk the tractor-trailers were filled, as farmers scurried about to get their goods to market before the predicted rain and snow mix moved in. Grandfather Sun had heralded in the day with brilliant, orange-red skies. Now, at mid-afternoon, steel gray clouds filled the sky with ample warning of the ensuing rainy weather.

As smoke billowed from the exhaust pipes of the diesel trucks, green John Deere tractors held the grain shoots that waited to fill the next trailer with the rich gifts from Earth Mother. The old woman observed the fast pace of the farmers as she gazed at the work in progress behind her cabin.

They look like they are in a hurry, and maybe a bit worried.

She paused her thoughts and honed in on